As Ledgemont administrators consider multiple possibilities to mend the district’s severe financial problems, the option of inside millage has surfaced.
Ledgemont Schools, which has been under fiscal watch since 2010, is legally bound to repay the state for remaining loans totaling more than $2.6 million.
With lack of community support as displayed by no new money generated by property tax levies since 1992 and lack of other means to produce revenue, inside millage may prove to be of major help.
“It had been brought up in the past, but people weren’t ready for the option,” Treasurer Belinda Grassi said. “It’s not very popular and the board members really wanted to leave it in the hands of the voters.”
Inside millage is levied by local governments without a vote of the people but there is a limit, while outside millage is approved by a vote of the people.
The state allows a district to move millage assessed from the general fund to a separate fund with the purpose of debt repayment. In Ledgemont’s case, the proposal, which was passed by the board at a meeting earlier this week, would move 4.5 mills.
If the action is ultimately approved, district residents would be charged about $130 per year for each $100,000 property valuation beginning in 2015.
Although the school board approved the proposal at a meeting earlier this week, other issues must be resolved before the plan reaches fruition.
Money provided to Ledgemont by the state has been termed a solvency assistance loan. But in question is whether or not the loan is legally considered a debt. “That’s the question of the hour, the day, the year, the decade,” Grassi said, adding that Ohio’s Attorney General or state auditor may be contacted to provide the answer.
“We’re jumping with both feet into uncharted waters,” she said. “If it worked 100 percent I would be surprised. I’m optimistic it will work but I’m not sure to what extent.”
Superintendent Julie Ramos said she was extremely pleased with Grassi’s presentation at the meeting.
“It gave a thorough explanation,” Ramos said. “Obviously (attendees) understood the material. They were able to ask questions based on her presentation.”
During a recent interview, Grassi, who also serves as a Riverside Schools board member, explained how the concept of inside millage would differ if it were to occur in other districts.
“Most of the districts that do this don’t do it to the extent that we’re doing it,” she said. “Riverside and districts in Lake County have voted in millage rates in the 70s. Ledgemont is in the 40s. If Riverside were to move a couple mills the taxpayers wouldn’t see any change in tax bills. It’s just a matter of where this district is.
“People don’t understand that property isn’t what generates the tax, it’s the house. We don’t have a lot of dwellings, we have a lot of property.”
She said if the proposal worked it would take about six to seven years to clear up debt but Ledgemont could feasibly carry on as a viable entity.
However, administrators are still looking at other options while the inside millage action is being explored, Grassi said.
The treasurer also expressed frustration with the Ohio Department of Education.
“ODE is like a spectator,” she said. “They’re the ones who should be helping us. Give us some idea of where you want us to go. Businesses can go bankrupt, municipalities can go bankrupt. A judge comes in and decides what contracts can be set aside. A school district doesn’t have that option.”

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